Construction company Lindum has donated a life-saving defibrillator to local first responder charity LIVES.

The machine was handed to Operational Support Manager Tony Dimmock by Quantity Surveyor Steven Duckering, in a socially-distanced presentation at Lindum’s North Hykeham offices today.

It follows building work carried out by Lindum at eight ambulance stations across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.

Construction work worth a combined £1m was carried out at stations in Lincoln, Boston and Scunthorpe as well as in Wilford, Beechdale, Stapleford, Kingsmill and Horizon Place in Nottinghamshire.

All stations were given new and improved toilet and shower areas, new kitchens and improved office facilities. New carpets were installed, along with new ceilings, tiling and décor. New lockers were put in and additional parking spaces were formed.

The projects enabled East Midlands Ambulance Services to recruit a number of additional paramedics across the region while also improving facilities and working conditions for existing staff. The installation of new energy efficient lighting systems will also help to reduce energy consumption across the sites in future.

All the stations remained in operation while the building work was carried out. Temporary welfare and office facilities were provided for NHS staff and some work was undertaken during night shifts to reduce the impact on emergency services.

Lindum worked with EMAS on the design and planning of the refurbishments. The contract was procured through the Scape Regional Construction framework. As part of the contract’s Social Value terms, Lindum agreed to donate the defibrillator to LIVES.

A defibrillator, when applied correctly, can ensure that when a patient is in cardiac arrest, they have a greatly improved chance of survival. LIVES needs £1.4 million every year to train, equip & support these Responders, who are all fully trained in defibrillator use.

Kirsty Raywood, Head of Sales at LIVES said, “This generous donation really does mean so much to us. We know the impact our Responders make when minutes matter. Huge thanks to Lindum for their continued support.”